8 weeks of groundwork ESW sessions supporting women veterans with monthly lunch and learns & a retreat SPIRIT is designed for all women CAF/RCMP Veterans (a VAC award is not required to participate). Individuals who identify from the 2SlGBTQ+ community are welcomed and encouraged to apply. This program contains two components that run simultaneously. The first component involves 8 weeks of Equine Supported Wellness Sessions (ESW). Participants will have the opportunity to spend time at Rohan Wood Stables with a small herd of gentle and compassionate horses. Participants will be guided through carefully constructed exercises with the support of a Mental Health Professional and an Equine Specialist. The intention of these sessions is to allow for opportunities of reflection in how some of our patterns may keep us feeling stuck or overwhelmed. Weekly intention and attention will be placed upon supporting ourselves to settle into the space and experience moments of presence. These sessions occur once per week and are 2 hours in length for the full 8 weeks. Although 8 weeks of this program involves working with horses, it is important to note that absolutely no previous horse experience is required. The second portion of the program involves monthly Lunch and Learn opportunities. The Lunch and Learn opportunities are carefully designed to allow all participants to gather together to focus upon different topics that support our learning as we seek to move towards greater wellness. These Lunch and Learns include fun and engaging therapeutic experiences, relaxed and informal community workshops, and opportunities to connect with one another through shared experiences. Together these program components will provide participants with the opportunity to connect with other women Veterans in a safe environment while learning new skills, discovering strengths, inspiring one another and exploring the healing power of relationships.